US Calls Russia's International Security Order Disrespect "Request for Weapons Support"
Previously Passive Germany Announces Support for Heavy Weapons Including Self-Propelled Guns
Explosions Continue in Pro-Russian Rebel Areas of Moldova...Suspected "Russian False Flag" Incident
[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Amid growing concerns that Russia may attempt to expand its invasion from Ukraine to neighboring Moldova, the United States held discussions on response measures with about 40 allied countries, including NATO member states. Germany, which had been reluctant to provide weapons support, officially declared the provision of a large amount of heavy weapons, further clarifying the confrontation between Russia and the West.
According to the Associated Press on the 26th (local time), at the Ramstein Air Base in Germany, the largest U.S. military base in Europe, defense ministers and officials from the United States, NATO member countries, and about 40 allied nations held a "Ukraine Defense Advisory Meeting." Non-European allies such as South Korea, Japan, Australia, and Israel mostly participated via video conference.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, who presided over the meeting, stated at a press conference, "Russia's baseless and reckless invasion of Ukraine not only affects Europe but is an affront to the global international security order based on rules," emphasizing, "All countries of goodwill worldwide have resolved to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia."
Secretary Austin said, "So far, the United States and more than 30 allied and partner countries have provided weapons worth over $5 billion (approximately 6.314 trillion KRW) to Ukraine, of which more than $3.7 billion has been supplied by the United States," urging countries to take more active steps in weapons support.
The German government, which had faced criticism for being passive in weapons support to Ukraine, also promised large-scale heavy weapons aid. German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht said at a press conference, "We will send self-propelled anti-aircraft guns to Ukraine," emphasizing, "Germany is ready to strengthen support for Ukraine." Earlier, the German government announced plans to send about 50 Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns produced by its domestic defense company KMW.
The reason countries are expanding weapons support is analyzed to be due to the increasing possibility of Russia escalating the conflict from Ukraine to Moldova. According to CNN, two radio transmission towers exploded in Transnistria, the pro-Russian separatist-controlled region in eastern Moldova. Following an unexplained explosion at the National Security Service building the previous day, explosions have continued. CNN reported that the Transnistrian separatists are blaming Ukraine as the instigator.
The Ukrainian side accused Russia of orchestrating a "false flag operation" to create a pretext for invading Moldova. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized at a press conference, "This is one of Russia's military operation phases, aiming to destabilize the regional situation and threaten Moldova."
According to the British BBC, Transnistria in eastern Moldova is a region effectively controlled by pro-Russian separatists. It declared independence after a civil war with the Moldovan government in 1992 but has not been recognized by the international community. Russia currently has about 1,500 troops stationed there under the guise of peacekeepers. BBC reported that if Russian forces capture Odesa in Ukraine, adjacent to Transnistria, there is a risk of an invasion of Moldova.
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